We provide professional and personal development opportunities with a focus on building genuine and sustainable connections for our community.

Gen Collective’s vision is for members to form genuine and sustainable business relationships and friendships that will enrich their careers and business journeys.

 
 

Our History

Gen Collective, formerly genXwomen network, was established on May 1 2008 by Melanie Hamilton (Director of local accounting firm, Hamilton Taggart Business Advisors). The first event on 1 May 2008 was attended by over 80 people. Lauren Miller-Cilento, CEO of HMMG Pty Limited, was our first guest speaker. Mel reached out to Lauren by email, and she was willing to come to Newcastle right off the bat! Gen X Women became Gen Collective in 2016. The rebranding came at a time where we were developing our supporter base and wanted to encourage people of all ages and professions to join. The name change revealed the inclusive community which had emerged.

 
 

Gen Collective is a not-for-profit organisation that operates with the generous support of our members and business partners.

 
 
 

Our events

Gen Collective provides access to a diverse range of professional development opportunities through an annual series of speaker events, workshops and social events. 

It was important to create a network to enable opportunities to form relationships and friendships with like-minded people, particularly at the beginning of their business ventures and careers. These relationships have grown with members, and it is not unusual to see connections between members of the network still strong many years later.

 
 

One of the things that makes our group a bit different is that we vary our events, some groups just do a lunch or breakfast, which is fine, but our group is diverse and we have different times so people have the opportunity to get out there, because sometimes it's the last thing on your list to get out but we try and make it accessible.

 
 

Our Committee

Each event is curated by a team of eleven volunteer committee members and is designed to support members of the Gen Collective network in both their personal and professional lives. You can meet our passionate committee here.

Featured in: Level Up Conference  |10 Years 2018

 
 
 

Meet our committee

Gen Collective is run by a passionate group of volunteers who believe that the key to a happy and successful career is a network of like-minded people who are each other's best advocates.

To get in touch, or to express your interest in joining the volunteer Gen Collective committee, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Adrienne Donnelly

  • Adrienne Donnelly is a Virtual Personal Assistant who calls Newcastle home. Adrienne started her business, Organised by Adrienne, in 2016 when she saw a need for all round support for small business owners.

    Adrienne has a team of specialists that work with her on projects including virtual assistants, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, copy writers, website developers and editors.

    Adrienne is also the co-founder of the Newcastle Virtual Assistant Network, a group of over 150 other local Virtual Assistants.

    Adrienne's career previously included roles in Human Resources, Recruitment, Office Admin and Operation Management.

    When she isn't working, you can find Adrienne enjoying a sunrise walk at Merewether or exploring the newest bar around town with her partner.

    LINKEDIN

    INSTAGRAM

Amy-Lea Pettigrew

  • Over the past 17 years Amy-Lea has worked across events, advertising and marketing in both Sydney and London. She Is also a Graphic Design and Interior Designer.

    For the last 8 years Amy-Lea has called Newcastle home again, coming back to run the family business, Pettigrew Family Funerals.

    She is fortunate that day to day, with the family business, allows her to pursue her passion to work with and have an impact with not-for-profit charities and organisations, including Foundation Member and chair of the special events committee for Hunter Medical Research Institute, an advocate and volunteer events assistant and graphic designer, as well as former board member for Lifeline Hunter and Central Coast.

Katelyn Stokes

  • Katelyn is a Manager with the Insolvency and Restructuring team at PKF Newcastle.

    In her day-to-day role, Katelyn faces everything from fast-paced, complex legal proceedings, to disgruntled shareholders and creditors, to emotional former employees of organisations that have become insolvent. Her daily life is a mix of approaching situations with empathy, resilience, practicality, and genuine interest, all polished with the professionalism that makes her great at her job.

    When you ask Katelyn why she chose accounting, she says that it provided a continual avenue for learning and growth. That growth has led her to the Gen Collective Committee, where she provides input and offers the professionals of the Hunter a safe environment to meet and make valuable connections that turn into rich professional relationships.

    For Katelyn, keeping her cup full means not only being Mum to the gorgeous Ethan but, also embracing her work life and allowing herself to enjoy both without guilt.

    LINKEDIN

Brodey Corbett

  • Brodey Corbett is truly a marketing unicorn. Her extensive experience in the communication sector has seen her in various roles – from content creation to media relations, event management, marketing strategy, and campaigns, and many more.

    She is currently a Team Leader in Marketing Implementation at The Marketing GP and is well-versed in the world of communication, with a real knack for making anything newsworthy.

    One of the hats Brodey wears is Internship Ambassador for their Internship Program. This means that when the company has an intern, Brodey is their go-to for all things processes, client advice, and more.

    One of the key things that Brodey embraces is giving back to the community she works and lives in. It has been instilled in her from the start of her career and she is proud to have volunteered with Got Your Back Sista, Mentor Support Network, Surfest Women's Pro Event, and now at Gen Collective

    Many say she's a social butterfly at heart and Brodey often gets asked when she has time to sleep. When she’s not creating killer content, you can find her out and about with friends, family, and her partner. She loves discovering new local bars and restaurants or spending days in the sun at the beach.

    LINKEDIN

 

Darcy Luck

  • Darcy is the Principal Mortgage Broker at Novo Finance, a company she started in 2019 after 13 years within the finance industry.

    She is passionate about helping her clients navigate the home loan market to achieve their goals of home ownership and wealth through property.

    She has 2 children and spends most of her weekends volunteering at their football club, the South Cardiff Gunners.

    Darcy’s passion however is netball and plays every chance she gets.

    Darcy is eager to contribute to the Gen Collective’s mission of connecting the local business community.

    LINKEDIN

Myf Garven

  • Myf is a purpose-led Lifestyle & Architecture Photographer based in Newcastle. She captures moments as they transpire to communicate a soft, natural mood through candid imagery. She works discreetly to explore those in-between moments to create rich, intentional imagery. She loves partnering with local go-getters who have a deep desire to make a difference in their world, the world around them, and beyond.

    As a process-driven creative, she showcases the good work of architects, designers, and purpose-led businesses through photography and design thinking. Her focus is on simple construction, responsible sourcing, and authentic storytelling. Her talent lies in understanding my client’s unique vision and guiding them through a process of thoughtful design.

    INSTAGRAM

    FACEBOOK

    LINKEDIN

Caitlin Powell

  • As an experienced People & Culture Manager, Caitlin creates influential leaders, connected teams and workplaces worth working for.

    Caitlin loves to connect people to purpose, build leadership capability, and create cultures by design through leadership coaching, workshop facilitation and organisational development consulting.

    Caitlin loves working with business leaders to help discover the real issues that are holding them, their people and their business back, and developing strategies to achieve their vision.

    Outside of work Caitlin’s a human, too. She’s a serious social basketballer, a podcast addict and a wannabe artist. She is also raising two tiny humans which she considers a leadership challenge in itself.

    INSTAGRAM

    LINKEDIN

Jordyn Ode

Jordyn Ode

  • As a Licensed Real Estate Agent, Jordyn Ode brings to the table her local expertise in marketing residential properties as well as development sites and off-the-plan sales. Her personal goal and driving aspiration is to connect with, move and inspire everyone she meets, by whatever means, harnessing positivity and encouraging achievement of extraordinary outcomes.

    An excellent communicator who takes the time to listen, Jordyn has the ability to understand exactly what motivates a sale or purchase and can then strategise a tailor-made campaign. She also has valuable experience in property management, which adds another dimension to her real estate knowledge.

    Jordyn delights in assisting her clients through one of life’s biggest decisions, taking the stress out of the equation and guiding them through the process. Working with a team who shares her ethos, Jordyn has the ability to provide her clients with a premium service backed by leading technology and a centralised database.

    Career-driven and passionate, Jordyn has strong leadership and relationship management skills. She possesses three powerful motivators: integrity, honesty and energy for life, which combine to create the principles that guide her journey, both personally and professionally. Her work ethic is uncompromising and her attention to detail is flawless, striving for excellence in everything she does. Near enough is simply not good enough. Whilst staying grounded she collaborates with like-minded people, to bring about best outcomes. She always endeavours to not only meet but to exceed expectations.

    Jordyn has a proven ability to stay calm and focused under pressure and the philosophy of ‘never stop learning’ is ingrained in her. Having lived in the area all her life, Jordyn adores the local lifestyle, the beaches and the friendly community and is proud to market this to buyers.

 

Jessica O’Neill

  • As a Consultant at Beilby Downing Teal, one of Australia’s largest providers of executive search, professional recruitment and contracting services, I help source talented individuals and connect them with thriving organisations across various industries. With a Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Leadership and Management, a Diploma of Leadership and Management, and a Certificate IV in WHS, I have the credentials and competencies to deliver personalised and effective recruitment solutions.

    I have been in the recruitment industry for over four years, specialising in executive, permanent, and temporary placements. I am passionate about building long-term relationships with candidates and clients, understanding their goals and aspirations, and matching them with the best opportunities and fit. My mission is to become your career partner and help you find your dream role or top-tier candidate.

Alex Beal

  • Hi, my name is Alex Beal. I am an Associate working at Hicksons Lawyers here in Newcastle. I specialise in workplace relations, employment and safety matters.

    I joined the Gen Collective Committee in October 2023. I am originally from New Zealand and I was keen to explore opportunities to further my network in Newcastle and get involved in planning some exciting networking events in the region. Little did I know I would be joining a powerhouse committee of dynamic women doing some pretty incredible things!

    I am passionate about working with employers and individuals to solve the many challenges they face in the workplace. I have a particular interest in disputed Fair Work matters (unfair dismissals and the like), workplace health and safety (both physical and psychosocial safety) and modern slavery laws.

    In my spare time you can find me down at my local rowing club, running (or attempting to) somewhere near the beach or camping in one of the many beautiful spots in NSW.

    I couldn’t recommend attending the Gen Collective events enough – the events offer a range of opportunities for professional development and to build your network in a welcoming environment.

    I look forward to seeing you at the next event!

Elena Terol

  • I work in marketing and digital for creative agency Headjam, supporting the development of strategy, content production and planning.

    I am an experienced professional with skills in content production, digital marketing, account management, and communications. I have expertise in suicide prevention, population health, and implementation advising, holding an MSc in public health.

    I also have a solid track record as a writer.

 
 
 
 
 

Thank you to our corporate sponsors

Since its launch in 2008, Gen Collective has received great support from the local business community.

Contributions from our business community have ensured that people of the Hunter continue to have a forum where they can access like-minded professionals and gain knowledge, ideas, and support. This has played a pivotal role in the continued success of the Gen Collective.

Through the donation of services, prizes, and giveaways, or in an advisory role, the Gen Collective Committee sincerely values the ongoing support of our partners in the local business community.

 

2024

Annual Partners

 

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor?